Hastings Winkle club was formed in the early part of the last century, by fishermen from the town to raise money for those less fortunate living in Hastings Old Town. Standing on, what is affectionately known locally as, Winkle Island, there is a sculpture depicting the Winkle shell mascot of the club. It is used as a collecting box for the charity and finds itself in many a tourist photo or selfie.

Every club member carries a Winkle shell and if challenged to “Winkle up” they must literally get their Winkle out. If they are unable to produce it, then they have to cough up a fine.

In more recent years the club has held events to increase the amount of money raised , all of which, together with any fines, goes to local charities.

One such event, only in its second year, was held at the beginning of June at the Stade Open Space. The Jazz & Blues Festival is a two day free event, sponsored by local firms and featuring local bands. The bar was run by an Old Town Pub, who donated all profits to the Winkle club.

It was a glorious weekend, the sun shining in clear blue skies, so we took a stroll down into the Old Town to join the fun. We secured a couple of deckchairs between the six of us, so took turns to rest our feet, soaking up the sun, the atmosphere and consuming the refreshing beer, cider and wine.

Hastings Old Town is home to an array of colourful and eccentric people. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming. The bands were playing in the background, people were dancing and chatting and we were entertained by jazz, soul and blues as a steady flow of both locals and visitors to the town, joined us to enjoy the atmosphere.

There were also several pubs around the Old Town hosting bands in support of the event. As early evening arrived, we strolled along the seafront to enjoy some local fish and chips, dodging the seagulls, who love a chip or two and have been known to swoop and steal them from your plate or newspaper.

Suitably filled we headed back along the promenade to listen to MT Vessels. Fabulous local band, playing all our old favourites, from Alvin Stardust to Rod Stewart. The crowd dancing to the beat, and singing along at the top of their voices. There were even some energetic revellers dancing on the tables. Jostling for a position amongst the crowd we were practicing our twerking and flossing, that the boys had tried to teach us the previous week. ……… It’s still a work in progress!

Sadly being a Sunday, and with people off to work the next day, it wasn’t a late evening and wandering away from the Old Town to find a taxi home, the air was still warm and the town still buzzing with happy revellers.

Then just as we were about to cross the road, one of those seagulls we were dodging earlier earmarked us for a revenge attack! He had a fantastic aim and plastered the back of my hubby’s shirt and my face with poop 💩. Fortunately as it was the end of the evening, and maybe due to the alcohol consumption, we found it hilarious and I was saved by the wipes I always carry in my bag. However I couldn’t do much for the hubby and he had to remove his shirt to avoid transferring any mess to the taxi seats.

Being the victim of bird poop is supposed to bring good luck, so I did purchase a lottery ticket. Fingers crossed 🤞